Several countries, including Indonesia and Brazil, are now exploring the establishment of strategic Bitcoin reserves to enhance economic resilience and modernize their financial systems.
Is Indonesia planning to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve?
Bitcoin Indonesia, a local crypto advocacy group, recently met with officials from the office of Indonesia’s Vice President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to propose a national Bitcoin strategy.
The country is currently exploring the potential integration of Bitcoin into its national reserve framework, though discussions are still in the early stages.
“Yes, seriously. [Indonesia] is looking into how Bitcoin could fuel long-term economic strength,” Bitcoin Indonesia shared on X.
During the meeting, the group advocated for utilizing surplus renewable energy to power Bitcoin mining and accumulation. They also distributed educational materials such as The Bitcoin Standard and The Changing World Order, emphasizing the need for public awareness and institutional backing.
A representative from the Vice President’s office reportedly supported the initiative, stating that Indonesia “must continue to educate about Bitcoin in the future.”
While cryptocurrency trading is legal in Indonesia, using digital assets for payments has been banned since 2017. However, increasing institutional interest and evolving national energy policies are creating new opportunities for deeper engagement with the Bitcoin ecosystem.
U.S. interest ignites global momentum
Indonesia’s interest follows the United States’ recent move to establish its own strategic Bitcoin reserve, a decision formalized through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. This development marked a significant shift in how Bitcoin is being positioned within national economic strategies.
Governments are increasingly viewing Bitcoin reserves as a hedge against global uncertainties—such as currency devaluation, inflation, and geopolitical instability. Unlike traditional fiat currencies, Bitcoin exists outside centralized banking systems, offering nations greater sovereignty over digital assets.
For countries with abundant untapped energy resources or vulnerable currencies, Bitcoin presents a unique opportunity for economic diversification and strategic flexibility.
The growing maturity of institutional crypto custody, advancements in blockchain infrastructure, and greater regulatory clarity worldwide have further enhanced the viability of sovereign Bitcoin reserves.
In some regions, Bitcoin is also seen as a tool to attract foreign investment, upgrade digital infrastructure, and engage with the emerging digital economy on more advantageous terms.
Experts have long predicted that the U.S. move would spark a global wave of similar strategies—and that wave now appears to be underway.
Brazil advances toward formalizing Bitcoin reserve legislation
Brazil is among the latest nations to take concrete legislative steps toward establishing a national Bitcoin reserve. On August 20, the country’s House of Representatives is set to hold a public hearing to discuss a proposed bill that would allow up to 5% of Brazil’s treasury reserves to be allocated to Bitcoin—potentially authorizing an investment of around $15 billion.
Six key institutions, including Brazil’s central bank and finance ministry, are expected to participate in the hearing.
While the proposal has gained momentum, it may face resistance. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin’s office has expressed support for the debate, framing it as a matter of national interest. However, skepticism remains—most notably from the central bank’s monetary policy director, who has questioned whether Bitcoin is a suitable asset for Brazil’s foreign reserve portfolio.
Meanwhile, interest in sovereign Bitcoin reserves is growing globally. Officials in countries like Pakistan, Ukraine, and Sweden have also publicly signaled their intent to explore similar strategies.
